Objective: Interleukin 6 (IL6) has the ability to influence each level of the hypothalamo-pituitaryadrenocortical (HPA) axis. The aim of the study was to test whether IL6 concentration correlates with the adrenal cortex response to ACTH in healthy humans. We postulated that higher basal IL6 concentration would be associated with the higher cortisol response to the stimulation. Design and methods: Basal IL6 concentration was measured and a low dose (1 mg) ACTH test was performed to assess cortisol response. Twenty-seven apparently healthy subjects (11 male, 16 female, mean age 31.1 years, age range 22-47 years) were included in the study. Results: Data are presented as meanGS.E.M. Basal IL6 level was 0.84G0.10 pg/ml. Basal cortisol was 351.9G18.3 nmol/l. Maximal cortisol during synacthen test was 653.0G20.6 nmol/l. Maximal cortisol increment was 301.1G20.0 nmol/l. IL6 concentration was not correlated with basal or maximal cortisol concentration, but correlated significantly with cortisol increment (rZ0.63, 95% confidence interval) 0.42-0.83). Conclusions: In our study, we found that higher basal IL6 concentration is associated with the higher cortisol response to ACTH stimulation. Based on previous research and our data, IL6, even in low concentrations and under physiologic conditions, modulates adrenal cortex responsivity to ACTH. Therefore, it seems that immune modulation of HPA axis is also present under physiologic and not only pathologic conditions. European Journal of Endocrinology 159 649-652

Proteinuria, urine alpha1-MG, kidney length and volume were selected as significant predictors of BEN. Variables related to kidney failure as well as several tubular disorders (urine specific gravity, FENa and TRP) had an insignificant predictive value and could not be used for differential diagnosis of BEN.

SummaryBackgroundPhysical exercise activates the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and induces the body’s inflammatory response. Due to contemporary dietary habits and increased energy expenditure, athletes are susceptible to depletion of magnesium ions. The aim of our study was to investigate, through assessment of plasma ACTH, serum IL-6, and salivary/serum cortisol levels, if chronic magnesium supplementation might reduce damaging stress effects in amateur rugby players.MethodsRugby players (N=23) were randomly assigned to intervention and control group. Basal samples were collected before intervention group started a 4-week-long supplementation with magnesium (500 mg Mg/d). Blood and saliva sampling were done a day before the match (Day-1), on the morning of competition (Game), and during a six-day-long recovery period (Day1, Day3 and Day6). ACTH, serum/salivary cortisol, IL-6 and total/differential leukocytes counts were determined at each time point.ResultsThere was a statistically significant increase in ACTH concentration in intervention group compared to control group, while reductions in cortisol concentrations between the two groups were the greatest at Day-1 (p < 0.01) and at the day of competition (Game) (p < 0.01). Our results revealed that magnesium completely abolished the increase in IL-6 level noted in control group on Day1 and Day3 vs. Day-1 (p < 0.01) and also diminished the rise in neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio in intervention group vs. control group (p < 0.01).ConclusionsThese results suggest the possibly important influence magnesium supplementation might have on the change of parameters of HPA axis activity and reduction of immune response activation following strenuous physical exercise such as a rugby game.

SummaryBackground: Sleep deprivation, malnutrition and lack of physical activity are contemporary stress-related factors present in the student population. Stress activates the HPA and often suppresses the HPG axis, but also influences cytokine synthesis and consequently regulates immune response. Since magnesium deficiency facilitates negative pathophysiological consequences, a reasonable question imposes, wheth er Mg supplementation might correct the adrenal/gon adal hormone balance and immuno-endocrine function. Methods: Fifteen male students were given 2 × 250 mg Mg for four weeks. Serum levels of FSH, LH, testosterone (T), ACTH and cortisol (C) were measured before and after supplementation and the T/C ratio was calculated. Furthermore, IL-6, red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), white blood cells (WBC) and the WBC differential were measured. Results: Despite no change in the serum level of ACTH, a statistically significant (p<0.05) decrease in the serum cortisol level appeared, accompanied with an IL-6 level reduction (p<0.05) after Mg supplementation. Analysis of the pituitarygonadal axis hormones showed an increasing trend of the FSH level (p=0.087), and a significant increase (p<0.05) in the T/C ratio. An RBC count increase (p<0.001) was found, along with a decrease in the percentage of neutrophils (p< 0.05), and a trend toward a lymphocyte percentage increase. Conclusions:The results suggest that chronic oral magnesium supplementation in male students improves the balance of pituitary-gonadal and pituitary-adrenal hormones and is involved in the regulation of the basal IL-6 level.

The most reliable predictors of graft outcome were Cys C, sCr and proteinuria. Because Cys C is unavailable in many transplant centers, from the practical point of view, sCr remains the most sensitive predictor of graft outcome.